University of Delaware Claims In-State Supremacy as Blue Hens Come Back to Defeat Delaware St. 9-8 in 13 Innings

NEWARK, Del. - Delaware State came into Thursday’s matchup touting one of the most productive offensive units in the country, but it was the Blue Hens who outslugged the Hornets as the University of Delaware baseball team won 9-8 in 13 innings in a non-league game at Bob Hannah Stadium.

Tyler Dean was the hero for the Blue Hens as the freshman hit an infield single to win the game with the bases loaded in the 13th ininning. The game-winning hit came on the first and only pitch Dean saw in the game.

The marathon game had 33 combined hits and saw 13 pitchers toe the mound. John Geffre picked up his first collegiate win for the Blue Hens while Hassan Evans took the loss for the Hornets.

Delaware State entered the game ranked No. 1 in the nation in team batting average (.349) and No. 8 in total runs scored (324) and the Hornets justified those rankings as they recorded eight runs in the first six innings and had an 8-3 lead before the Hens stormed back.

The Blue Hens’ offense, which had not been hitting on all cylinders of late, would not go quietly. Delaware answered with a four-run seventh inning that was highlighted by a monstrous three-run home run over the “Blue Monster” in left field from Jake Clark.

Due to the fact that the Blue Hens (21-21) have the upcoming weekend off, Delaware head coach Jim Sherman was not afraid to use his starters in critical situations.

Martin, who recorded six of his eight outs by strikeout, teamed with fellow starter Dan Gatto and Geffre to pitch the final 7.2 innings of the game. The Hornets were able to tally nine hits against the trio, but were unable to cross home plate.

Delaware tied the game in the eighth inning on a Ty Warrington RBI double, but left him stranded at second base.

The Blue Hens also had chances in the 11th and 12th innings with runners in scoring position, but Delaware State's timely pitching and exquisite fielding kept the Hornets alive.

The game was the fourth extra inning outing for the Blue Hens this season and Delaware now has a 3-1 record in those contests. The extra-inning affair was the longest Delaware baseball game since a 13 inning game against Hofstra last year.

Ryan Hartley became the first Blue Hen to hit a home run this season at Bob Hannah Stadium as the junior, like Clark, blasted a ball over the “Blue Monster” in left field.

Joe Giacchino, who banged out a team-high three hits in seven at bats, reached base safely in his 21st straight game, and with his triple in the first inning, took over sole possession of first place in triples in the Colonial Athletic Association.

Delaware State got four hits from Charles Dailey while DJ Miller banged out three hits and Cameron Onderko collected a game-high three RBI.

The Blue Hens will next be in action Tuesday as they travel to Saint Joseph’s for a non-league game. First pitch between the Blue Hens and Hawks is scheduled for 3 p.m.